Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso has described Wednesday night’s Club World Cup semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as his biggest test yet.
Alonso recently joined Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
He has enjoyed a relatively good start to life in Madrid. Following his 1-all draw against Al Hilal, his team has gone on to win four games at the tournament.
It has not been an easy path for Madrid, which has had to face three European opponents on its way to the final.
They have successfully dispatched RB Salzburg, Italian giants Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
Now, Alonso has to work his way around the reigning European champions for a place in the final against Chelsea.
“The tactical battle with Luis Enrique will be a big test for us. We will prepare for the upcoming game [against PSG] in a positive spirit after today’s [quarterfinal] victory,” he told reporters.
Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger shared his managers’ sentiments.
“PSG are a very, very tough team to play against,” he said. “it’ll be a hard match. But we’re Real Madrid and we’re ready for the challenge.”
Meanwhile, PSG trainer Luis Enrique said his team is determined to reach the final.
“It doesn’t matter who we play in the semifinals. All that matters is that we are there and that we want to get to the final.
“Playing against Real Madrid is always a special game. We are delighted to be playing in a game like this because it means we have done a good job up to now,” he said.
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